Political dynasty issue rears head in Capiz

Politics is boiling over in the province of Capiz.

A Facebook post is insinuating the family of Capiz Gov. Esteban Evan “Nonoy” Contreras of putting up a political dynasty in the province.

The social media post claimed that the governor’s father, former governor and incumbent Pontevedra town Mayor Esteban “Dodoy” Contreras is touted to run for congressman of Capiz 1^st district. Mayor Dodoy Contreras began his political career as barangay captain until he was elected provincial board member and governor.

The governor’s brother, former Pontevedra mayor Esteban “Doc Steve” Contreras is currently a member of Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

Esteban “Bongbong” Contreras, the current municipal administrator of Pontevedra, is believed to be running for mayor of their town in 2022, replacing Mayor Dodoy Contreras.

Esteban “EJ” Contreras, the former Sangguniang Kabataan federation president of Pontevedra, is also being touted to run for Sangguniang Bayan member. His wife Lara was also a former SK federation president of Sapian town and is believed to be running for vice mayor of their town.

The Facebook post also claimed that the Contreras family were once with the Liberal Party but left when Gov. Nonoy Contreras ran in 2019.

Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Esteban “Boy” Contreras called the social media post as malicious as even non-elected officials like him are being tagged as part of political dynasties.

Atty. Contreras said some quarters in the province still cannot accept that they defeated the old political group in 2019.

“It’s okay, it comes with the territory,” he added.